Studying abroad comes with a whole lot of challenges. One such challenge is a language assessment test, i.e. IELTS. The majority of the universities in the UK require international students to take the IELTS test when it comes to admissions. However, there are also a lot of universities that allow students to study in UK Universities without IELTS.
While some students can easily pass the test with flying colours, others need various attempts to clear the exam. It puts an additional burden on international students seeking admission to UK universities.
If you are facing the same problem, we have good news for you! You don’t really have to waste your time on IELTS formality to get admission to UK universities.
There are many top British universities that offer admissions without considering IELTS scores. However, there are some alternative eligibility criteria that you need to fulfil.
To know more about studying in UK universities without IELTS, continue reading the blog.
What Is IELTS?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test designed to assess your English language skills. It is a globally accepted assessment and is required by many institutions. Taking the test will help you secure a place at a university or work abroad.
The IELTS exam has four parts. These are the listening, writing, reading, and speaking sections. It is a three-hour test. The score of each part is between one and nine. Once you complete the test, you will get the overall score.
If your score is higher than the one set by the university, you can easily get admission. The score differs from university to university. Generally, the passing score for pursuing a bachelor’s degree in UK universities is 6.0 or 6.5.
English-speaking countries like the UK and the US often use the IELTS exam to assess language skills. This exam is an excellent choice for people who wish to study abroad or move to a new country.
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Is It Possible to Study in UK without IELTS?
Many UK universities have a set of requirements that an international student must meet. For example, the age of a student must be 18 and above. The student must also have a certificate for completing 10 + 2 education.
Some UK universities require students to take the IELTS test. However, there are other options available for international students to visit the UK without IELTS. In fact, there are over 100 universities in the UK that accept students without taking IELTS.
So yes, it is totally possible to study in UK universities without IELTS, given you meet the other requirements. These requirements vary by university and program. As a student, you need to prove that you can speak the English language. If you are unable to do so, you need to attend pre-sessional courses. Once you complete the course, then you can proceed with their degree.
When Can You Study without IELTS in UK Universities 2023?
The UK does not require you to take the IELTS exam before you can study in the country. But there are certain criteria you will need to meet in order to get admission. Here are some important eligibility criteria for studying in UK universities without IELTS.
- English Major/ Previous Education in English
If your previous education was done in English, or if you have studied English as a major specialization, you don’t need to take the IELTS exam. You need to present a Medium of Instruction certificate when securing admission at UK universities to prove your language competency.
- High School English Scores
If you want to study in UK universities without IELTS, you need to have a decent English language score in high school, i.e. 10th and 12th. The score should be more than 70%. However, this requirement might be different according to universities and courses.
- Online Interview
If you are applying for a student visa to study in the UK, you will need to satisfy a number of requirements, one of which is demonstrating good English skills. Many universities require online interviews as part of the application process. This type of interview is an opportunity to gauge your language skills.
- Other English Language Assessment
IELTS is not the only exam to test your English proficiency. Many universities in the UK also consider other tests like TOEFL, ISE, and CPE to determine whether an applicant has sufficient English skills for the course they want to take.
- Pre-Sessional English Course
There are some universities in the UK that offer pre-sessional English courses. If you don’t want to appear for IELTS, you can take this type of course to get admission. It is one of the best ways to get admission to UK universities without IELTS.
Can You Apply for UK Study Visa Without IELTS?
IELTS is the test that assesses the English language abilities of the applicant. In order to get a UK study visa, you need to submit the IELTS score. However, if you are not taking the test, you can still obtain the visa.
If the UK university waives IELTS requirements, you can get a study visa. In this case, instead of submitting the IELTS score, you need to submit a document from the university. It will prove that you are eligible to apply for a visa.
To apply for a UK student visa, you also need to show that you have the financial means to live and study in the UK. This requires you to provide documents like your last three months’ payslips, a bank balance certificate, and an affidavit of sponsorship from your parents.
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Documents Required to Study in UK Universities without IELTS
If you want to study in UK universities without IELTS, you need to prove that you have basic English language skills. These skills include reading, writing and speaking. There are several ways to meet this requirement.
One of the most straightforward methods is by attending an English medium school. Another is by taking a pre-sessional English course. You may also need to take an exam to prove your proficiency. The most popular exam is IELTS. However, many universities in the UK offer their own English language tests to applicants.
If you are not taking the IELTS test, here is the list of documents you need to submit in order to study in the UK.
- SSC mark sheet
- HSC mark sheet
- Bachelor’s semester marks sheet
- Medium of Instruction certificate
- Provisional certificate & consolidated marks memo
- Letter of Recommendations
- Passport
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Offer letter
- Experience letter (if any)
What is UK Admission Process?
The admission process in the UK is different from the US. Universities in the United Kingdom offer both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. There are two main intakes for students applying to university: the autumn and the spring. Whether you’re interested in an undergraduate or a graduate course, it’s important to understand the admission process.
Here are some basic steps you need to follow for the UK admission process.
- Step 1: Shortlist Universities and Courses
- Step 2: Keep track of Deadlines
- Step 3: Take Entrance Tests
- Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
- Step 5: Start Filling out the Application Forms
Top 5 UK Universities without IELTS
If you are thinking of studying in the UK, you may be wondering what UK universities are available to you without IELTS. Here is a list of UK universities without IELTS.
- The University of Warwick
Located in Coventry, England, the University of Warwick is one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions. It is also among the top ten universities in the UK. Its unique facilities and commitment to employability and skills development make it a desirable place to study. If you want to study at the University of Warwick, it is important to know the entry requirements. Besides achieving a good score on the SAT, you will need to demonstrate that you have a good command of the English language. If you don’t want to take the IELTS exam, you can sign up for a pre-sessional English course to get admission.
- The University of Bristol
The University of Bristol is one of the world’s best universities and ranks among the top 10 in the UK. Students from all around the globe flock to the university to study. Aside from being one of the most prestigious universities in the UK, the University of Bristol is an active member of the Worldwide Universities Network. It is one of the best UK universities without IELTS. If you want to study at this university, there are certain programs that don’t necessarily need IELTS requirements. Apart from that, you can also take a pre-sessional language course.
- Northumbria University
Northumbria University is a UK university which offers a range of courses and degrees. It has a large number of students from all over the world, with a student population of more than 26,000. The university has a campus in London as well as in Amsterdam, allowing international students to complete their studies. You can study at this university without taking IELTS. All you need to do is take up pre-study English courses.
- Birmingham City University
Birmingham City University is a large university located in the centre of Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city. It has the highest proportion of international students of any university in the city. There are over 1,000 undergraduate courses and graduate programmes. It is one of the few UK universities without IELTS.
- Aston University
Aston University, one of the top UK universities, is home to over 3000 international students from more than 120 countries. The university offers a wide variety of programs, from undergraduate to postgraduate studies. It also provides scholarships to students who meet certain criteria. You don’t need an IELTS score to study at this university.
Final Thoughts
If you are an international student and want to study in the UK, you have to meet certain requirements. One of those requirements is to have a solid grasp of the English language. The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standard test that assesses the fundamentals of the language. Depending on your course of study, you may need to submit an IELTS score. However, not all universities require it. You can also qualify for UK universities without IELTS. You need proof of 70% marks in English, take an online interview, pursue a pre-sessional English course, or take alternate exams to get admission without IELTS in UK universities.
